Discussion

Budget Friendly, Quiet Dinner Suggestions

I'm looking for some suggestions for a nice place to celebrate a special occasion for two, where a lovely meal & some wine would come to no more than $100 max (less if possible). My preference is somewhere quiet, but not boring. For us it is most convenient to stay south-westish in the City, and not hard to get to by TTC...but if something is really amazing I'd make an exception.

It's in the downtown core, but I would suggest Everest and East! Both are at Queen/John. Very nice restaurants, could easily be mistaken for a higher calibre restaurant. Apps are under $10, entrees, under $20, and most bottles in the $30-40 range.

Also, agreed that Everest is terrible. I used to work around the corner from both Everest and East and have been to both. Its fine for a quick work lunch (I guess) but not what I'm looking for this time around!

Of the places suggested to date, Alice's Restaurant meets all your requirements, except - as foodyDudey has mentioned - the price. In my experience, it'll cost about $125-$150 a couple, tax, tip and maybe three wines-by-the-glass for the two of you included. Perhaps you can cut the total by bringing your own wine, a service Alice's offers at what is probably a modest corkage fee (its website doesn't list the precise fee so you'll have to phone to find out how much it is, which means, I suspect, that the fee varies according to the day of the week and how badly they want you to fill a couple of seats). But the place is easily TTC-accessible, on College Street just a few doors west of Ossington Ave., the atmosphere somewhat muted but not drearily so, the service is caring and - most important - the food is good. Some unusual menu items, and everything done with innovation. Stay away from the more expensive appetizers and you'll cut the bill even more. Nice homey touch: the most agreeable chef/owner pops out of the kitchen every now and then to chat casually with the guests in what seems more than just a public relations gesture. Alice's is a superior neighborhood bistro, one of my favorite joints in that part of town.

We enjoyed eating at Alice's, and don't feel we went overboard on ordering but the bill was still over $200 after tax and tip. We had one app, main and dessert each plus a $50 bottle of wine. I doubt that ordering wine by the glass would cost less unless you limit your self to a glass each. It's a good restaurant and I'd go more often if I could truly get out of there for $100 as Joanne Kates reported in her review. I think I'll go back and see if we can eat for $125 a couple.

Camino Bistro (French) is 10 min walk from the Main subway. It's East not West but is usually quiet and prix fix for $35. If you tell them it's a special occasion in advance maybe they can do something about that.

Le Paradis (at Ave and Dav) is really good value (your bill would definitely come in under $100, before tax and tip) and has some very yummy menu options. It's relatively quiet (though not super-quiet) and has a fairly nice atmosphere.

I was just going to recommend the same. I wouldn't classify it as "quiet" but its definitely not boring-good classic French comfort food at 1980's prices. You will easily get out of there with $100 (including a bottle of wine). And I am always amazed at the mix of clientele. Its the one place in Toronto where everyone eats-from the rich Yorkvillians (sp-villans?) to students to the established Toronto academe.